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Hornsby

NSW 2077LGA: Hornsby Shire

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Hornsby is a well-established suburban hub located 36km north-west of Sydney's CBD, serving as a major commercial and transport center for the Upper North Shore. The suburb offers excellent connectivity with its major train station providing express services to the city, complemented by the bustling Westfield Hornsby shopping complex and strong educational facilities. The area attracts predominantly middle to upper-middle class families, drawn by quality schools, established infrastructure, and relatively more affordable housing compared to nearby premium suburbs like Wahroonga and Turramurra. The property market features a diverse housing mix from older brick homes to modern apartments and townhouses, with steady capital growth supported by consistent demand from families and investors. Hornsby's position as a regional center ensures strong rental demand, while ongoing urban renewal projects and transport improvements continue to enhance its investment appeal.

Strengths

  • Major transport hub with express train services to Sydney CBD
  • Established commercial center with Westfield shopping complex
  • Strong educational facilities including quality public and private schools
  • More affordable than premium Upper North Shore suburbs while maintaining good amenities

Opportunities

  • Ongoing urban renewal projects enhancing suburb appeal
  • Potential for apartment development near transport nodes
  • Growing demand from downsizers seeking convenience
  • Infrastructure improvements boosting connectivity

Considerations

  • Higher density development reducing suburban character in some areas
  • Traffic congestion around major shopping and transport hubs
  • Competition from nearby premium suburbs for high-end buyers
  • Limited waterfront or premium natural amenities compared to coastal suburbs

Property Market

Median House

$1.45M

+5.2% 1yr

Median Unit

$750K

+4.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$1.15M

Rent (House)

$900/wk

Rent (Unit)

$590/wk

Days on Market

32

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

72.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+5.2%+18.5%+35.8%
Unit+4.8%+16.2%+32.5%

Rental Yields

House Yield

3.2%

Unit Yield

4.1%

Townhouse Yield

3.6%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential75/100
Cashflow Score72/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)75/100
Affordability Index65/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.40

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Hornsby at median house price

Standard transfer
$62,140
First Home Buyer
$62,140
Foreign buyer surcharge
$116,000

+8% surcharge

Annual rent income
$46,800

$900/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$75,400
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$36,250
Net rental position
-$64,850

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$25,292

Reduces taxable income

After-tax holding cost
$39,559/yr

~$761/week

Based on 7.2% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$2.05M
Capital gain
$529,561
After discount
$264,780
CGT payable
$103,264

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$2.90M
Capital gain
$1.38M
After discount
$687,960
CGT payable
$268,304

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$62,140

After-tax yield

1.95%

Weekly holding cost

$761/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$268,304

Estimates based on FY2025 NSW rates at median house price. Assumes 80% LVR, 6.5% interest rate, 39% marginal tax rate ($135K-$190K bracket). Individual circumstances vary. This is general information only and not personal financial advice. Consult your CPA before making investment decisions. Local Knowledge Pty Ltd — Registered Tax Agent.

Demographics

Population

28,500

Median Age

41

Median Income

$95K

per annum

Family Households

58.0%

Professionals

48.0%

University Educated

42.0%

Unemployment

4.2%

Born Overseas

38.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 52%Units: 42%Townhouses: 6%Total: 12,800

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability75/100
Public Transport9/10
Schools Rating8/10
Safety7/10
Family Friendly8/10
Cafes & Restaurants

85

Parks

12

Hospitals

2

Distance to CBD

36.0 km

Nearest Station: Hornsby Station

Family-focused suburban living with excellent shopping, dining, and recreational facilities, complemented by easy access to bushland and city connectivity.

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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 25 March 2026.

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